Kitchen island style ideas are brilliant go-tos for making this central point in your cooking zone as chic as possible.
If you're looking at yours and think it could use a zhuzh, we've got you covered. We've asked design pros what they use to make this space shine. From clever organizers to upcycled accents, they've shared a range of clever, budget-friendly tips.
When searching for kitchen island ideas, adding finishing touches in this space is the key to tying the whole room together.
Simple yet stylish kitchen island style ideas
Once you've looked through small kitchen island ideas and picked your perfect style, finish the area off with decor to make it look even more beautiful. These can be either timeless styles or kitchen island trends.
Our designers have suggested brilliant products to match their kitchen island decor ideas, so we have curated great picks wherever possible.
The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article.
1. Try tiered delights
If you love putting the best small kitchen appliances to work and baking up a storm, you can display all your delicious makes in a multi-layer display tower.
“Introduce a tiered stand (we love this Efavormart Gold Cupcake Stand from Walmart) to showcase artisanal bread, delectable cookies, or even petite desserts,” suggests Nina Lichtenstein, principal designer and owner of Nina’s Home Design.
It's one of those kitchen island style ideas that's a feast for the eyes as well as the tum.
For close to a decade, Nina has showcased her in-depth construction and design expertise. She has been celebrated for designing, renovating, and building elegant family homes with indoor and outdoor spaces. Her motto is bringing together function and beauty, without compromise, to embody unique visions of life.
She says this not only maximizes space but also adds layers of visual interest to your island, creating an inviting display appealing to both culinary and design enthusiasts alike.
2. Add organizational elements
Stylish kitchen island pieces which double as kitchen storage ideas will maximize the capacity of your cooking area.
Nina suggests, “Organize pantry staples in decorative containers for sugar, flour, or other frequently used items. This not only enhances accessibility but also adds a polished touch to your culinary workspace.”
We recommend grabbing a bunch of containers in the same style for a uniform finish, such as these Yuncang Glass Storage Jars from Amazon.
Size (in): D9 x H3
Made from: Acrylic
Price: $21.99
Keep all your spices in one place with this turntable you can swivel around while you cook.
Size (in.): H4.69 x W8.43 x L12.4
Made from: Bamboo
Price: $19.99
You can display spices, sauces, and sweet accessories on this versatile tiered organizer.
Size (in.): H8.4 x W4.68 x D5.68
Made from: Glass
Price: $6
Keep your kitchen island decor simple with this sweet jar with bags of potential.
3. Bring in natural textures
Many kitchen islands have white countertops, which is understandable as this is one of the best colors to make a small kitchen look brighter. This can look a little plain though, which is why it’s a smart kitchen island decor idea to elevate it.
Nina explains, “I’m a fan of incorporating natural elements, such as wooden cutting boards (we like this Picnic Time Napoletana Pizza Cutter Board from Saks) or knife blocks, to create a warm finish.”
You could even add a hint of earthy elegance, with Nina saying you could bring in geodes or natural stones to add stunning sparkle.
4. Pick up plants
By using the best indoor plants as kitchen island style ideas, you can add colorful kitchen island ideas to your kitchen, as well as having them in a place you won’t forget to water them.
“Liven up your kitchen oasis with the presence of flowers, potted plants, or succulents,” Nina explains.
These green companions can not only purify the air if they’re the best air-purifying plants, but Nina says they can also bring a breath of fresh life to your culinary haven, creating a harmonious blend of nature and nurture.
As well as this, you can also choose plants you can use in your cooking.
“A small, integrated herb garden not only brings life to your kitchen but is also practical for cooking enthusiasts,” adds Moe Soloff, kitchen specialist at Fabuwood.
Moe Soloff is a kitchen specialist at Fabuwood, one of the leading semi-custom cabinet manufacturers in the US. With years of experience in crafting functional and stylish kitchen spaces, he loves designing with innovative kitchen island decor ideas.
You could plant these yourself with these Sereniseed Organic Herb Seeds on Amazon, which are Amazon's Choice.
Size (in.): H15 x W8 x L8
Made from: Natural materials
Price: $25.98
Choose from seven different pretty planters to go alongside your elegant peace lily, a low-maintenance indoor plant.
Size (in.): H10 x W9 x L9
Made from: Natural materials
Price: $19.97
For those who aren't the most green-fingered, pothos plants are very easy to maintain and a brilliant trailing plant.
Size (in.): H9 x W4
Made from: Natural materials
Price: $24.99
Grow your own fresh herbs including basil to make dishes even more delicious.
5. Style up scents
If you’re ever in doubt about how to decorate anything in your home, you can’t go wrong with adding fabulous fragrances.
“The best reed diffusers and candles will not only add a sophisticated style to your kitchen island but will also remove any cooking odors,” says Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight.
Artem Kropovinsky is an interior design expert and founder of Arsight, which has twice been honored as finalists in the international SBID Awards and acknowledged in the NYCxDESIGN Awards. He has a decade of extensive and global residential and commercial interior design experience.
One of our favorite reed diffusers here at Real Homes is the NEOM Organics Happiness Reed Diffuser on Amazon, which has a zesty scent perfect for busy kitchens.
6. Mix in metallics
For a touch of metallic allure, consider incorporating striking pans alongside your best coffee maker and kettle, bringing shimmery shades to your kitchen island style.
“Copper accents, in particular, lend a timeless and sophisticated charm, creating a seamless blend of functionality and style,” adds Nina.
These look especially great on luxe island designs, such as marble kitchen island ideas.
For those who have a kitchen island with a sink, you could always add this element to your tap, with this Wowow Brushed Gold Kitchen Faucet from Amazon, made with eco-friendly stainless steel.
Capacity: 1L
Finish: Stainless steel
Price: $42.99
We've seen gooseneck kettles in so many celeb homes, which is why we've got this one in our basket.
Capacity: 4lbs
Finish: Stainless steel
Price: $559.95
We tested this in our best espresso makers guide and rated it 4.5/5 stars thanks to its ease of use, ease of use, built-in features, and versatility.
Size (in.): W10 x L18
Made from: Copper
Price: $38.95
This pan is almost too pretty to use, but the fact it's a breeze to clean copper when you know how means you can scrub it up and display it again quickly.
7. Recycle a wine bottle
Have you ever finished a bottle and thought it was too pretty to throw away? Make use of it by turning it into kitchen island decor.
Nina suggests, “Transform your empty wine bottles into chic vases, showcasing a variety of blooms or greenery. This sustainable and stylish solution adds a touch of personalization to your kitchen island while repurposing glass treasures.”
It would also a great spring DIY idea. If you don’t have one spare but love the idea, you could always head to a secondhand furniture store to try and find a vintage bottle, or reuse a candle jar and trim your blooms for a petite display.
By infusing these kitchen island style ideas into your place, you can create a space you can visually feast on.
Nina finishes by saying, “Let your kitchen island be a reflection of your personal style and a source of inspiration for your culinary endeavors.”
Once you’ve found pieces you like, you may want to find out how to organize a kitchen island before decorating with them.